There are a lot of issues covered in Ephesians 4:25-32.

Christians are not to lie or have sinful anger. Anger is fine in its place. In fact, we must have righteous anger, for without it we are not truly passionate about the truth.

Saints are not to steal or use corrupt speech. We are commanded to work to provide for ourselves and help those in need. This is opposite of what some in the world espouse, that we should look for a handout whenever possible. Too, our words are to be good and tend toward a positive effect on the world.

We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. If we do, we will pay the consequences. And, instead of having bitterness and a generally bad attitude, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Not only will it lead to an eternal reward, it will also pay dividends in this life.

The gospel is perfect, addressing every area of man’s life. If we would only apply it consistently, we would be far better off and much happier.

There are three main points in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17.

First, the man of sin, the son of perdition, is not any one single person or office (like the pope). It is more a spirit of rebellion against God manifest in many men and institutions over time. Anyone who presumes to take God’s place, issuing decrees as though he were God, fits the man of sin. That which was restraining in the first century was the apostles. They helped keep error in check. When they died out, false doctrine and false practices quickly spread.

Second, God allows people to be deluded in sin. Why? Because they want to be. We have free will. God appeals to us and gives us ample opportunity to turn to Him. However, some simply want to live in error. This is not just worldliness, but includes false religion. The context truly is when Christians go astray by accepting false doctrine. If a man does not love the truth, he will live in error. Let us make sure we love the truth; even if it hurts.

Third, Paul urges the Thessalonians to continue in the truth. In 2:15, he tells them to continue in traditions. These are not the traditions of men, but the traditions delivered by word and epistle; traditions established by inspiration through the apostles. These are what we must follow to please God, remain in truth, and be saved in the end. If we turn aside to error and false doctrine, the traditions of men—because we do not love the truth and have accepted the lie—we will be forever lost.